ASRM 2016

Blastocyst conversion and implantation rates and ongoing pregnancy rates were higher when

comprehensive removal and control of airborne pathogens were undertaken in the in vitro

fertilisation laboratory.

teven Palter, MD, of Gold Coast In Vitro Fer-

tilization, Woodbury, New York, presented

this outcome of a multicentre, retrospective

evaluation of a proprietary air purification system.

He explained that successful preimplantation

embryogenesis and the reproductive potential of

the human embryo depend on a number of varia-

bles including the changing organic chemistry of the

ambient air within the in vitro fertilisation laboratory.

Ambient air carries dynamic levels of embryotoxic

volatile organic compounds and viable particulates.

These compounds and particulates play a critical

role in preimplantation toxicology and in the influ-

ence of ambient air on epigenesis.

Dr Palter and coinvestigators conducted the largest

cohort study to date to evaluate a proprietary air

purification system in its reduction of airborne path-

ogens. The system is designed to comprehensively

remediate airborne embryotoxic pathogens using

targeted engineered molecular media and genom-

ically modelled biological inactivation.

These multimedia air filtration and inactivation sys-

tems address airborne threats often overlooked in

a laboratory environment. Seemingly innocuous

and unrelated factors outside the laboratory can

be harmful to embryos that enter the clinical and

laboratory space.

Contaminants outside the lab from road construc-

tion, vehicle exhaust, or pesticides can permeate the

space and disrupt embryogenesis. Volatile organic

compounds from cleaning supplies, rubbing alcohol,

colognes, and hand sanitisers are often brought into

the lab by laboratory and clinical personnel.

Dr Palter and colleagues quantified embryogenesis

and patient outcomes in multiple in vitro fertilisation

programs where the system is employed.

“Millions of years of biology,” he said, “have evolved

to protect a fragile growing embryo. In vitro fertilis-

ation has undergone incredible advances but has

not been able to meet the challenge of invisible

toxins dissolved in air that fragile embryos cannot

defend against.”

He continued, “We were the third centre in the world

to install a unique system that, for the first time, com-

pletely eliminates all known bacteria, fungi, particu-

lates, and invisible toxic volatile organic compounds.

“This study, the largest of air purification and in vitro

fertilisation, was an attempt to verify the impact of

the system.”

Over a 24- to 48-month period, clinical outcome

data from all nondonor patients who underwent

in vitro fertilisation (n = 5319) in nine independent

in vitro fertilisation programs was evaluated. A total

of 2761 patients cycled in an environment protected

by preexisting mechanisms of air filtration and 2558

STEVEN PALTER

Air quality in assisted reproduction

laboratories affects success significantly

ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Elsevier Conference Series

• ASRM 2016